Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Grace: Unwelcome Advances

I have to leave the pack.

This realization is a long time coming, but when I wake up to Rafe's face staring down at me, in the relative safety of my own room, it's a decision made for me.

I'm not safe anywhere. Not even where I sleep.

"Don't shout," he whispers, placing a hand over my mouth.

I wasn't going to, anyway. No one would come to my aid here.

My nod seems to relieve him, because he lets me go and sits on my bed without asking for permission.

I sit up, my fingers clutching the blanket and pulling it over my chest. The thin fabric offers little protection, but it's all I have against Rafe's piercing blue gaze. I'm still wearing my clothes from yesterday, but being in my bed—in my room—leaves me feeling vulnerable.

My heart pounds, a traitorous rhythm that threatens to betray my resolve.

"What are you doing here?"

Rafe's sun-bright hair catches the dim light, a halo around his perfect features. His blue eyes, once a source of comfort, now make my stomach twist.

All I can see is how he dumped me for Ellie the moment he realized they were mates.

"How are you doing, Grace?"

His hand reaches for mine. I flinch away, pressing myself against the headboard.

"What are you doing here?" The words come out sharper this time.

Rafe's shoulders slump, and he runs a hand through his hair, mussing the perfect strands. "I'm worried about you."

A harsh laugh escapes my lips before I can stop it. "That's rich."

"I mean it, Grace. I care about you."

"You have a funny way of showing it."

His sad facade fades as his jaw clenches. There's a tick beneath his skin, a twitching that only serves to remind me he's changed. Like a personality transplant. Or, worse—I never knew him at all. "It's complicated."

"No, it's not. You chose her. You made that perfectly clear."

bleeding into the blue of his eyes. My lack of submission must anger his wolf,

came out with more scorn and less trembling. "I don't want to hear

Trees and earth and everything I once called home. "Grace, please. I never meant to

you did." The words hang between us, heavy and undeniable. Making me sound way

sends sparks racing up my arm, and I hate myself for the

you,"

were. But then I remember Ellie's cruel smile. His indifference in the forest, when I was near-naked and terrified. And how impossible it is for me

You don't get to come in here

takes a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself. "I

So I laugh. A brittle, sharp, broken sound. "Like how your new mate treats me like dirt? How the entire pack looks at me

it smooths out again. He leans forward, grabbing my hand and holding tight,

"It's not just about how Ellie treats me. It's about how you

can't go against my mate, Grace. You know

here?" I demand, anger finally overtaking the

the way

him kiss me, to pretend that nothing has changed. It would be so much

I hate him.

I miss

my everything. I dreamed of

him away, scrambling out of

"Grace—"

of the familiar is terrifying. "You don't get to have both of us. You

I once found so attractive now feeling oppressive.

human, remember? I don't belong to this

stands, towering over me. His eyes blaze with amber fire; his wolf is fighting for control. He steps forward, and

insists, resting a hand on the wall beside my head. "You're just angry with me. It's okay, Gracie. I understand. I get it. I

jaw in a whisper-soft caress that

not the Rafe I

thoughts. He wanted me to be true to myself. He loved me for

didn't ever claim to

demands downgrade to pleas. "I just want to be left alone.

won't find out," he breathes, his eyes drawn to my lips. "We'll keep it quiet. I

not stupid.

anger darkening his eyes, even as his hand strokes my cheek in a gentle caress. "It's okay, Gracie. I'll make it okay. We can still be together in the end. I know I said

soft, sensual kisses that only make

I'm going to get you

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